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Molt is the natural cycle where birds lose feathers and gradually regrow their plumage. Molt usually occurs when the days start to shorten in late summer and it can go well into the fall season. The feather shedding process can take as long as 16 weeks to completely cycle through and has the potential to greatly decrease egg production in your chickens. When chickens molt, a lot of the energy in their bodies is used to regrow feathers and less energy is available for egg production. Many chicken owners will see a huge drop off in the number of eggs...

All horses require adequate amounts of protein containing specific amino acids for maintenance, growth, reproduction and work. Proteins are important building blocks for body cells. In addition to impacting topline condition, hoof quality, feed intake, growth, physical activity, physical endurance, hair coat, production of milk and fetal development can all be impaired if protein intake and or quality of protein (i.e. availability of amino acids) is inadequate. Most horse owners can name the protein level of the feed they are currently using. “A 12 percent pellet” is a common answer when asked that question – but how important is that...

Egg binding is a commonly cited problem on online forums, but what is this condition and how can you treat it? More importantly, how can you prevent it? Egg binding occurs when a hen has been straining to lay an egg for several hours. A stuck egg prevents fecal matter and other eggs from passing out of the body, and the hen will eventually die from shock or infection. Causes There are a number of factors that may cause egg binding. Eggs form with the pointy end facing the vent opening, but they are laid blunt end first, which means...

Many broodmares are in the last half of gestation at this time. The latter part of gestation is one of the most important development periods in the life of a foal when the foal is developing in the uterus of the mare. The importance of this period was recognized in the Nutrient Requirements of Horses, Sixth Edition, when the Committee established that the nutrient requirements of the mare start increasing at the 6th month of gestation, earlier than previously believed. During the last three months of gestation, the foal may be gaining an average of one pound per day. The...

Parasites have several negative effects on cattle health and productivity. They suppress appetite, negatively impact growth, damage gut lining and make cattle more susceptible to disease. An Iowa State University study calculated a cost of up to $190 per animal resulting from the decreases in gain and reproduction in non-dewormed cattle. Cattlemen should consider a deworming program to combat parasites as a critical part of a herd health plan. This allows cattle to reach their full genetic potential, increase intake, nutrient absorption, and improved overall health, growth and reproduction. Before we get to some thoughts about a program, let’s talk...